PowerPoint Activities
Felt Board Activity
OBJECTIVE: To help youth identify words, situations, and visual images as how they relate to positive or negative self-esteem.
SUPPLIES:
· Felt Board
· Velcro Cards with Pictures and Words
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Set up the felt board with positive self-esteem on one side and negative self-esteem on the other side.
2. One by one, take out the words and pictures and ask the group which side they think it goes or hand them individually to random youth and have them put it up on the board.
3. If someone has a different opinion, have a small discussion on why they think it goes somewhere else (always remember to encourage youth that there is no right or wrong answer).
4. Ask the group what some of the long term effects would be of the word or picture.
Self Esteem Words: Bad, Believe, Blame, Caring, Changes, Choices, Compliment, Confidence, Dislike, Focus, Good, Happy, Mistakes, Proud, Relaxed, Trying, Unhappy, Willing
Self Esteem Pictures: Football player, Diploma, Good Grades, Parties, Etc.
OR...
*If you would like to put a twist to this activity (for a more religious aspect), then you could use:
1. Proverbs 3: 25-26
2. 1 John 3: 21-22
SUPPLIES:
· Felt Board
· Velcro Cards with Pictures and Words
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Set up the felt board with positive self-esteem on one side and negative self-esteem on the other side.
2. One by one, take out the words and pictures and ask the group which side they think it goes or hand them individually to random youth and have them put it up on the board.
3. If someone has a different opinion, have a small discussion on why they think it goes somewhere else (always remember to encourage youth that there is no right or wrong answer).
4. Ask the group what some of the long term effects would be of the word or picture.
Self Esteem Words: Bad, Believe, Blame, Caring, Changes, Choices, Compliment, Confidence, Dislike, Focus, Good, Happy, Mistakes, Proud, Relaxed, Trying, Unhappy, Willing
Self Esteem Pictures: Football player, Diploma, Good Grades, Parties, Etc.
OR...
*If you would like to put a twist to this activity (for a more religious aspect), then you could use:
1. Proverbs 3: 25-26
2. 1 John 3: 21-22
Choices Activity
OBJECTIVE: To help someone work through any stressful situation with basic questions that allows them to take it one step at a time, and to come up with the best possible solution.
SUPPLIES:
· Choices Tool Box Cards (Outline can be found under Resources)
· Scenario Sheet
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. As a whole group, work through a scenario together using the tool box card.
2. Separate the group into smaller groups of 3-4 people.
3. Pass around the scenario sheet, and have each group pick one to work on in their group using the tool box cards.
4. Give them 3-5 minutes to talk it over, and then have a group volunteer to explain how they worked through their situation.
Example Scenario: You have to hurry up and get to class, but a group of people are blocking the whole hallway including the entrance to your classroom.
SCENARIOS:
1. You have to hurry up and get to class, but a group of people are blocking the whole hallway including the entrance to your classroom.
2. Your best friend starts to ignore you, and starts to treat you differently.
3. A classmate asks to see your homework in the beginning of class, and after saying no, they take it anyways.
4. You go to the movies to hang out with your friends, and after an hour they still haven’t showed up.
5. You have three projects and two tests the next day, but last minute you realize you have to babysit.
6. You have to use the bathroom, but you forgot your planner at home.
7. You are trying to get to work, but there is traffic due to an accident.
8. You get back to your house after a stressful day of shopping, and you realize that your phone is missing.
9. You miss a few days of school, and you are piled in make-up work.
10. You are in the middle of a crowd, and people start to push and shove one another.
*Likewise, you could put a religious twist to this by explaining: at the end of the day, you would want to have done something not only that would make you feel good, but something God would have wanted you to do. You did the best that you could.
SUPPLIES:
· Choices Tool Box Cards (Outline can be found under Resources)
· Scenario Sheet
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. As a whole group, work through a scenario together using the tool box card.
2. Separate the group into smaller groups of 3-4 people.
3. Pass around the scenario sheet, and have each group pick one to work on in their group using the tool box cards.
4. Give them 3-5 minutes to talk it over, and then have a group volunteer to explain how they worked through their situation.
Example Scenario: You have to hurry up and get to class, but a group of people are blocking the whole hallway including the entrance to your classroom.
SCENARIOS:
1. You have to hurry up and get to class, but a group of people are blocking the whole hallway including the entrance to your classroom.
2. Your best friend starts to ignore you, and starts to treat you differently.
3. A classmate asks to see your homework in the beginning of class, and after saying no, they take it anyways.
4. You go to the movies to hang out with your friends, and after an hour they still haven’t showed up.
5. You have three projects and two tests the next day, but last minute you realize you have to babysit.
6. You have to use the bathroom, but you forgot your planner at home.
7. You are trying to get to work, but there is traffic due to an accident.
8. You get back to your house after a stressful day of shopping, and you realize that your phone is missing.
9. You miss a few days of school, and you are piled in make-up work.
10. You are in the middle of a crowd, and people start to push and shove one another.
*Likewise, you could put a religious twist to this by explaining: at the end of the day, you would want to have done something not only that would make you feel good, but something God would have wanted you to do. You did the best that you could.
Like Yourself Activities
I'm Not a Freak, I'm Unique
(Variation of Train Wreck)
OBJECTIVE: To figure out what characteristics are unique to each person within the group, and to celebrate peoples’ uniqueness.
SUPPLIES:
· Chairs (one less than everyone playing)
· Medal Necklace
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Form a circle with the chairs.
2. Have everyone sit down except for the person starting out the game.
3. The person in the middle of the circle says something about themselves, and if that is true within anyone else in the circle, they have to get up and switch chairs.
4. The person who was in the middle also tries to get a chair.
5. The last person standing is the new middle person.
6. If there is a time where the middle person calls out something that no one else can relate to, then they are the unique person.
7. Give them the medal necklace to show how they were unique. Make a big deal about this uniqueness.
8. Continue passing around the necklace each time someone is the only one that has the characteristic.
OR...
*If you would like to put a twist to this activity (for a more religious aspect), then you could use:
1. 1 Corinthians 12:1-31
SUPPLIES:
· Chairs (one less than everyone playing)
· Medal Necklace
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Form a circle with the chairs.
2. Have everyone sit down except for the person starting out the game.
3. The person in the middle of the circle says something about themselves, and if that is true within anyone else in the circle, they have to get up and switch chairs.
4. The person who was in the middle also tries to get a chair.
5. The last person standing is the new middle person.
6. If there is a time where the middle person calls out something that no one else can relate to, then they are the unique person.
7. Give them the medal necklace to show how they were unique. Make a big deal about this uniqueness.
8. Continue passing around the necklace each time someone is the only one that has the characteristic.
OR...
*If you would like to put a twist to this activity (for a more religious aspect), then you could use:
1. 1 Corinthians 12:1-31
People Puzzlers
OBJECTIVE: To emphasize that not everyone is perfect, and that our “scars” make us stronger and more whole.
SUPPLIES:
· Four pictures of yourself
· One torn up and attempted to be put together (the other two are left as is, and the last is the one that gets torn)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Take out one of the pictures, and tear it up in front of the youth while talking about life struggles (each struggle, tear off a piece).
a. I walked into school and realized how greasy my hair was.
b. Got in line to pay for my food, and there wasn’t any money left in my account.
c. Was called on to answer a question and mispronounced a word while the whole class laughed.
2. Take out the torn up picture, and show it to the youth. Ask them their thoughts on the picture.
3. Then explain how even though through our lives, we may struggle and make mistakes and even be torn to pieces, we can try to put ourselves back together. Yet, even when we try, there will always be spaces or “scars” where those memories that we can’t forget show through.
4. Take out the whole picture and hold it up next to the torn one.
5. Explain to the youth how with those scars that we all have, they make us whole and human. They make us who we are today, and we can shape ourselves around all of that.
*Likewise, you could incorporate a religious twist by using one or more of these:
1. James 1:12
2. 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. James 1:2-8
4. Romans 5:3
SUPPLIES:
· Four pictures of yourself
· One torn up and attempted to be put together (the other two are left as is, and the last is the one that gets torn)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Take out one of the pictures, and tear it up in front of the youth while talking about life struggles (each struggle, tear off a piece).
a. I walked into school and realized how greasy my hair was.
b. Got in line to pay for my food, and there wasn’t any money left in my account.
c. Was called on to answer a question and mispronounced a word while the whole class laughed.
2. Take out the torn up picture, and show it to the youth. Ask them their thoughts on the picture.
3. Then explain how even though through our lives, we may struggle and make mistakes and even be torn to pieces, we can try to put ourselves back together. Yet, even when we try, there will always be spaces or “scars” where those memories that we can’t forget show through.
4. Take out the whole picture and hold it up next to the torn one.
5. Explain to the youth how with those scars that we all have, they make us whole and human. They make us who we are today, and we can shape ourselves around all of that.
*Likewise, you could incorporate a religious twist by using one or more of these:
1. James 1:12
2. 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. James 1:2-8
4. Romans 5:3
Fingerprint Tree
OBJECTIVE: Identifying the uniqueness of the youth and emphasizing that there is no one else like them, and each one of us has a purpose.
SUPPLIES:
· Tree Outline (Can be found under Resources)
· Non-Permanent Ink
· Wipes
· Pictures of fingerprint styles
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Show the youth the different fingerprint styles, and ask them which style they have.
2. Talk to them about their uniqueness, and how there isn’t anyone exactly like them.
a. Even twins don’t have the same fingerprint.
3. Start having them each put their fingerprints on the tree outline.
4. Explain to the group how we start out as individuals, yet we have a greater purpose in this life, and how we have all now come together as a community to create a masterpiece.
SUPPLIES:
· Tree Outline (Can be found under Resources)
· Non-Permanent Ink
· Wipes
· Pictures of fingerprint styles
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Show the youth the different fingerprint styles, and ask them which style they have.
2. Talk to them about their uniqueness, and how there isn’t anyone exactly like them.
a. Even twins don’t have the same fingerprint.
3. Start having them each put their fingerprints on the tree outline.
4. Explain to the group how we start out as individuals, yet we have a greater purpose in this life, and how we have all now come together as a community to create a masterpiece.
Like Others Activities
Similarity Group Activity
OBJECTIVE: Finding something in common with those around you to form a human connection.
SUPPLIES:
· Assorted objects (i.e. blue block, soccer ball, goggles, etc…)
· Basket
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Have someone from the group come up and pick something from the basket.
2. Whatever object they pull out, have everyone else form a group based upon the object. For example if someone pulls the blue block, everyone who has blue eyes would make a group.
3. Once a group is put together, have them come up with a name for their unique group.
4. Continue this until all the objects have been chosen.
OR...
*If you would like to put a twist to this activity (for a more religious aspect), then you could use:
1. Isaiah 41:10
2. Philippians 4:6-7
SUPPLIES:
· Assorted objects (i.e. blue block, soccer ball, goggles, etc…)
· Basket
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Have someone from the group come up and pick something from the basket.
2. Whatever object they pull out, have everyone else form a group based upon the object. For example if someone pulls the blue block, everyone who has blue eyes would make a group.
3. Once a group is put together, have them come up with a name for their unique group.
4. Continue this until all the objects have been chosen.
OR...
*If you would like to put a twist to this activity (for a more religious aspect), then you could use:
1. Isaiah 41:10
2. Philippians 4:6-7
Social Media Activity
OBJECT: To show how one person does not need tons of friends, but only a few true friends.
SUPPLIES:
· Felt Board
· Statements
o Statements Include:
o Hey guys, I’m not feeling too well today. Who wants to come over and watch a movie with me and keep me company?
o 0 Likes 0 Comments
o Come on guys…anyone? Will anyone come to be with me?
o 0 Likes 1 Comment:
§ Hey bud, what’s been going on?
· I haven’t been feeling well at all lately.
o Are you okay?
§ No, not really.
· I’ll come over and hang out with you. I’ll be over in a little.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Set up the board so it looks like a social media site (preferably Facebook).
2. Explain how the page shows you have thousands of “friends.”
3. Put up the first statement that tells how you are not feeling well.
4. After a minute, put up the like and comment statement.
5. After a minute, put up the other statement that asks if there is anyone out there.
6. After a minute, put up the other like and comment statement.
7. Start a discussion about what happened, and why it’s important to have a few true friends rather than a whole bunch of “friends.” Quality matters more than quantity.
OR...
*If you would like to put a twist to this activity (for a more religious aspect), then you could use:
1. Philippians 4:19
2. Colossians 3:14
You could even use the Golden Rule: One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.
SUPPLIES:
· Felt Board
· Statements
o Statements Include:
o Hey guys, I’m not feeling too well today. Who wants to come over and watch a movie with me and keep me company?
o 0 Likes 0 Comments
o Come on guys…anyone? Will anyone come to be with me?
o 0 Likes 1 Comment:
§ Hey bud, what’s been going on?
· I haven’t been feeling well at all lately.
o Are you okay?
§ No, not really.
· I’ll come over and hang out with you. I’ll be over in a little.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Set up the board so it looks like a social media site (preferably Facebook).
2. Explain how the page shows you have thousands of “friends.”
3. Put up the first statement that tells how you are not feeling well.
4. After a minute, put up the like and comment statement.
5. After a minute, put up the other statement that asks if there is anyone out there.
6. After a minute, put up the other like and comment statement.
7. Start a discussion about what happened, and why it’s important to have a few true friends rather than a whole bunch of “friends.” Quality matters more than quantity.
OR...
*If you would like to put a twist to this activity (for a more religious aspect), then you could use:
1. Philippians 4:19
2. Colossians 3:14
You could even use the Golden Rule: One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.
Destiny Activities
Opportunity Knocks
OBJECTIVE: Opening the eyes of the youth to see that any situation they are in could be worse, so they can appreciate what happens in their life more even though the bad situations.
SUPPLIES:
· Scenario Cards
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Have the group form smaller groups of four people.
2. Hand out a scenario card to each of the groups.
3. Have the group come up with an “it could be worse” scenario for the card given.
4. Have the group share what their card was and their scenario in response to everyone else.
SCENARIOS:
1. Your car ran out of gas in the middle of the road.
2. You failed your first history test.
3. You were book dropped in the middle of the crowded hallway, and all your papers went everywhere.
4. You were playing soccer and tripped on the field.
5. You're walking up to the stage for graduation, and you trip and fall.
6. Your friend suddenly stops talking to you.
7. You woke up late, and missed the bus for school.
8 You're looking for your parents in the store and can't find them. You're lost.
9. You are at the beach, and you dropped your phone into the ocean.
10. You fall off your bike going down a hill, and you end up all bruised and scratched.
Likewise, you could continue with the positive aspect by asking the group: "How can you make this situation better?"
For example: You failed your first test.
Your answer to this could be: "I'll do better the next time." OR "I tried my hardest, but I'll try even harder."
SUPPLIES:
· Scenario Cards
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Have the group form smaller groups of four people.
2. Hand out a scenario card to each of the groups.
3. Have the group come up with an “it could be worse” scenario for the card given.
4. Have the group share what their card was and their scenario in response to everyone else.
SCENARIOS:
1. Your car ran out of gas in the middle of the road.
2. You failed your first history test.
3. You were book dropped in the middle of the crowded hallway, and all your papers went everywhere.
4. You were playing soccer and tripped on the field.
5. You're walking up to the stage for graduation, and you trip and fall.
6. Your friend suddenly stops talking to you.
7. You woke up late, and missed the bus for school.
8 You're looking for your parents in the store and can't find them. You're lost.
9. You are at the beach, and you dropped your phone into the ocean.
10. You fall off your bike going down a hill, and you end up all bruised and scratched.
Likewise, you could continue with the positive aspect by asking the group: "How can you make this situation better?"
For example: You failed your first test.
Your answer to this could be: "I'll do better the next time." OR "I tried my hardest, but I'll try even harder."
Controlling My Destiny
OBJECTIVE: Enacting a skit to the youth to allow them to understand that they can control what they do in life: controlling their destiny.
SUPPLIES:
· Skit Outline (for you to read)
· Basket of Lemons
· Glass Pitcher of Chocolate Milk
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Get two volunteers before the workshop starts and have them know they will be performing the skit.
2. Have the two youth get up, and start reading the skit. They will be enacting what is being said.
3. Afterwards, ask the youth what they thought, and have them explain what they think the meaning was behind the skit.
4. Explain to the group that they have the ability to control where they go in life, and that no matter what happens, they have control over their destiny.
SKIT:
Meet Jill. Jill lives on a small little farm with her mom. They struggle to make ends meet, but they are able to makes ends meet by selling their overabundance of lemons. Years ago, Jill’s great grandfather planted many lemon trees because he loved lemonade. Now while times are tight, Jill and her mom are very thankful that grandpa loved lemonade so much, because that is what keeps them afloat.
Jill had just gone out to pick some ripe lemons to make the nightly batch of lemonade they will drink with dinner. With her basket full, she drags herself into the house to do that nightly chore. Jill is very appreciative of having those lemons but if she has to drink one more glass of lemonade, she may just scream. We will catch back up with Jill later.
Jill’s mom has just set the table for dinner and called Jill to diner. As they sit down, Jill’s mom asks her to pour each of them a glass for dinner. Jill excitedly jumps up and grabs the pitcher to pour………
“Chocolate milk”?
Mom is so surprised. “Jill, how on earth did we get chocolate milk?”
“Well mom, just because we always have lemons around that doesn’t mean we just have to settle for lemonade all the time. I took my basket of lemons and stopped by the McNulty Dairy farm. Over there, they were so tired of drinking milk morning, noon, and night, that they welcomed the chance to get a glass of lemonade. They even threw in some chocolate syrup when I gave them our recipe for lemon tarts.”
“Just because life gave us lemons, it doesn’t mean we are destined to drink lemonade forever; we can trade our lemons for something different. We just have to get out there and try.”
SUPPLIES:
· Skit Outline (for you to read)
· Basket of Lemons
· Glass Pitcher of Chocolate Milk
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Get two volunteers before the workshop starts and have them know they will be performing the skit.
2. Have the two youth get up, and start reading the skit. They will be enacting what is being said.
3. Afterwards, ask the youth what they thought, and have them explain what they think the meaning was behind the skit.
4. Explain to the group that they have the ability to control where they go in life, and that no matter what happens, they have control over their destiny.
SKIT:
Meet Jill. Jill lives on a small little farm with her mom. They struggle to make ends meet, but they are able to makes ends meet by selling their overabundance of lemons. Years ago, Jill’s great grandfather planted many lemon trees because he loved lemonade. Now while times are tight, Jill and her mom are very thankful that grandpa loved lemonade so much, because that is what keeps them afloat.
Jill had just gone out to pick some ripe lemons to make the nightly batch of lemonade they will drink with dinner. With her basket full, she drags herself into the house to do that nightly chore. Jill is very appreciative of having those lemons but if she has to drink one more glass of lemonade, she may just scream. We will catch back up with Jill later.
Jill’s mom has just set the table for dinner and called Jill to diner. As they sit down, Jill’s mom asks her to pour each of them a glass for dinner. Jill excitedly jumps up and grabs the pitcher to pour………
“Chocolate milk”?
Mom is so surprised. “Jill, how on earth did we get chocolate milk?”
“Well mom, just because we always have lemons around that doesn’t mean we just have to settle for lemonade all the time. I took my basket of lemons and stopped by the McNulty Dairy farm. Over there, they were so tired of drinking milk morning, noon, and night, that they welcomed the chance to get a glass of lemonade. They even threw in some chocolate syrup when I gave them our recipe for lemon tarts.”
“Just because life gave us lemons, it doesn’t mean we are destined to drink lemonade forever; we can trade our lemons for something different. We just have to get out there and try.”
Ice Cream Activity
OBJECTIVE: Showing the youth that they should go for their goals, and aim to succeed because settling for what is given to you isn’t always the best for you.
SUPPLIES:
· Ice Cream
· Toppings
· Bowls
· Life Cards
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prepare the bowls of ice cream (1-2 scoops)
2. Have everyone come get a bowl, and give them a life card. This card will have how many toppings the youth can get. Some will say none; some will say one, two, or three.
3. Have them get their toppings, and as a group ask them if they are happy with what they have.
4. If they say yes, ask them to explain why.
5. If they say no, ask them to explain why, and then tell them “well all you had to do was ask.”
6. Ask that person to ask, and allow them to get another topping.
7. Continue with this until everyone is happy. You can even have them walk a lap around the room to gain their topping.
OR...
*If you would like to put a twist to this activity (for a more religious aspect), then you could use:
1. Matthew 25:14-30 (The Parable of the Gold Bags)
SUPPLIES:
· Ice Cream
· Toppings
· Bowls
· Life Cards
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prepare the bowls of ice cream (1-2 scoops)
2. Have everyone come get a bowl, and give them a life card. This card will have how many toppings the youth can get. Some will say none; some will say one, two, or three.
3. Have them get their toppings, and as a group ask them if they are happy with what they have.
4. If they say yes, ask them to explain why.
5. If they say no, ask them to explain why, and then tell them “well all you had to do was ask.”
6. Ask that person to ask, and allow them to get another topping.
7. Continue with this until everyone is happy. You can even have them walk a lap around the room to gain their topping.
OR...
*If you would like to put a twist to this activity (for a more religious aspect), then you could use:
1. Matthew 25:14-30 (The Parable of the Gold Bags)
*These are just suggestions. You do not have to include them, but if you would like to they are a great start. Also, they are up to your interpretation. You might see them fit along with the activity in a different way as someone else.